By brawling with Ryan, Ventura earned the respect of future White Sox icon Paul Konerko. CSNChicago.com’ Chuck Garfien covered the story a few years ago, but it’s worth sharing on the anniversary of the brawl.
Here’s how it all went down: That summer, Konerko was playing for the U.S. Junior Olympic baseball team. The club traveled two hours to see the game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox. Konerko and his teammates even got to meet Ventura prior to the contest.
We all know what happened during the game.
Though Konerko was stunned, the brawl ultimately made him a fan of Ventura, according to Garfien. (Click that link and watch the video to hear Ventura awkwardly say “things went a little haywire.” It’s definitely worth your time)
That made me think nothing less of him, only more because anybody who’s going to charge Nolan Ryan, you gotta have…”
Konerko paused for a few seconds, trying to find the right word he can use on family television. Then one popped in his head.
“You gotta have some guts, let’s just put it that way.”